Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-10-19

of the corruptionists and to elect the re-
publican ticket by a rousing majority.
"Jeffersonlan Simplicity" at Home
and Abroad.
One of the chief features of the present
administration which was to delight the
true democratic heart was to be a return
to that "Jeffersonan simplicity" which
the "aristocratic rule of republicanism so
obnoxious to the people of the country"
had tor twenty-four years consigned to the
"shades of oblivion" For one year after
the Inauguration of President Cleveland
the constant cry was "Jeffersonian SIM
pliclty," and some of the more credulous
really believed that the good old times
had actually returned. But after the ad-
ministration had fully assumed its duties
and had set to running all the various
parts of the governmental machine so as
| to have time for social duties, the delight
full dream was soon dispelled and a mag
nifcence that has scarcely ever been
equalled in any particular characterized
the receptions and public fetes of the
Sheriff President from Buffalo. This
magnificence has constantly been in
creased so that the lovers of ''Jetfersonian
simplicity" have been dumbfounded by
the royal overtures to the Presidential
party on its various trips over the
country. 1t is safe to say that no Presi-
dent ever lived more luxuriously and
affected so much that pertains to royalty
as has this simplicity President. This at
home.
During the earlier portion of his official
career, probably, the President appointed
as minister to the court of Sweden, Mr.
Rufus Magee of Logansport, Indiana.
Mr.. Magee, great lover of 'Jeffersonan
simplicity" and delighted admirer there
tore of the President, set out for the court
of Stockholm. Mr.. Magee's first appear
ance at court was characteristic. "Un-
needing the trammels of court etiquette"
writes correspondent of the New York
Stockholm, attired in linen buster, a
yellow jumper to keep his collar clean
and white vest, Mr.. Magee called on the
king. On hearing that his royal highness
was not at home, Mr.. Magee inquired of
the affable chamberlain the kings Office
hours aud at what time he would be sure
to ketch him in" This "Jeffersonian
simplicity" did not please the American
residents at that foreign capital, who fore
saw that their social interests were to be
seriously imperilled by the Hoosier
minister. But their fears were more than
realized when Mr.. Magee attended
the first official levee of the winter
season. At this reception he pre-
scented himself in diplomatic garb-
swallow-tail coat, knickerbockers lex.
pressly forbidden by the orders of the
State Department. stockings and dancing
pumps" The correspondent goes on to
say:
In his bearing toward the King, Mr..
Magee was dignitied, yet cordial withal.
He stated that he had called several
times at the palace, but had never found
him disengaged. He forstalled the king
ly apologies by remarking that he knew
how it was himself having been secretary
of campaign club in Indiana. At the
same time he warned the King in the
kindest manner possible that he must take
care OF himself and not "overdo it,"
After few more words between the two
distinguished gentlemen the King pro-
ceeded across the reception-room to greet
his cousin of Denmark who was stopping
with him. To the horror of the assem-
bled court Mr.. Magee accompanied the
King across the floor. walking on the
monarch's right. The horror stricken
court chamberlain rushed after our min
lister. and catching him by the arm,
yanked him into drawing-room and in
formed him that he had taken up a posi-.
ton on the right of the mighty monarch,
which even the crown prince would not
have presumed to occupy.
1t is needless to say that Mr.. Magee
has not again attended court and that the
affecting "Jeffersonian simplicity" has
not been very beneficial to his relations
with the American residents who feel as
as if this role had been carried too far.
II the American minister had only beer
more thoroughly posted upon the course
of events in this line. transpiring in his
own country, he might have tuned his
harp accordingly. and in dress, deport
ment and "style" have kept pace with the
simplicity President. thus saving himself
and the nation which he represents. from
some unkind cuts. Such is "Jeffersoniar
/ simplicityr at home and abroad.